Speakers unveil latest oil and gas developments in the Arctic

The oil and gas industry’s key players will present critical new technologies and commercial opportunities available in the offshore Arctic, at the Arctic Region Oil & Gas Conference in Norway this month. Recent news about Norway’s Ministry of Energy receiving requests from 37 companies to be included in the country’s 22nd licensing round reflects the increasing demand for oil and gas on the Arctic frontier.

Taking place on 28-29 February in Stavanger, the conference will focus on recent developments, and growing activity in Greenland, Canada’s Labrador Sea, the Beaufort, Barents and Kara Seas, as well as the High Arctic Islands.

Out of 228 blocks included in Norway’s licensing bid, 181 were located in the Barents Sea. The Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Ola Borten Moe, explains: “this represents major opportunities for the entire region. Exploration in all of the areas which have been opened up is also very important for ensuring further activity, employment and ripple effects throughout Norway”. Kari Ofstad, Exploration Advisor from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, is one of the influential panel of experts who will speak at the conference, discussing current and potential undiscovered petroleum resources.

Developing new technologies for Arctic exploration and production through joint initiatives is fundamental to the progression of the Shtokman Gas Condensate Field, a project that draws wide interest from major global operators. Anton Vasiliev, Ambassador at Large and Senior Arctic Official of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will address the importance of international cooperation and the necessary technology that must be developed. Jane Louise Nagy, Vice President for Finance of the Shtokman Gas-Condensate Field offers further insight into the project’s integrated development.

Key speakers also include Frances Ulmer, Chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, who will advise on how to reduce risk on frontiers like the Arctic. Her session includes a discussion on lessons learnt from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Presentations by DNV, Statoil, Infield Systems, International Energy Agency and the Canadian National Research Council also feature on the programme.

Organised by the global events company, ITE Group Plc, the Arctic Region Oil & Gas Conference will be opened by the Mayor of Stavanger, Christine Sagen Helgo.